Alejandro's Hombre

Ch.51: when he returned

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O'Hare Chicago International Airport

"calling the attention of the passengers bound for the Philippines via Delta Airlines to please proceed to the Departure Area. the plane will be leaving in 10 minutes..."

Gabriel quued in line with the other passengers as the cabin crew checked his ticket and passport. he's now ascending on the tarmac to board the plane, and seated himself comfortably in the business class. He's served with excellent dishes and drinks, including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. he plug his earpods on, and sit back as he chills on his seat. He's been frequently flying for personal travel and for work---but this is the first time that he's boarding a plane back to his birth country. His family and friends didn't knew he'd be coming back, he feels like surprising them.

the flight lasted for 16 hours and 55 minutes. the plane landed on the Metropolis International Airport and he get up, stretch his limbs and take his hand carry bag. He put his glasses on and descended on the tarmac, shielding his eyes from the glaring heat of the afternoon sun. He shake his head. nasa Pilipinas na nga talaga sya.

He walk on to the airport, and he immediately felt the lively Christmas spirit here. there are airport staffs who gave the balikbayans and tourists garlands and local delicacies as a welcome gift to overseas Filipino workers who came home during the holiday seasons.

"MABUHAY! Welcome back po! Maligayang Pasko!"

the staffs said, wearing elves and Santa Claus costumes. He smiled and thanked them as he proceeded at the carousel to get his luggages. he then booked a grab ride, and checked the courier in which he booked to deliver his four big packages. He nodded as the courier notified him that his package will arrive three days after his arrival.

He waited outside the airport when the grab driver called that he's on the way. ten minutes later, a silver van came and the driver greeted him.

"magandang araw po, Sir. akin na po yang mga bagahe nyo."

the driver placed his luggages and things at the back of the van as he seated himself near the window. as the vehicle is running on the Altagracia highway, Gabriel quickly noticed the great changes in the City. the traffic, for once. It's not that heavy now, unlike before that this highway would look like a huge parking area dahil hindi halos umuusad ang mga sasakyan. there's also exclusive lanes for bikes, buses and trucks. everything seems to be harmonious and in order now.

"Sir, ayos lang po ba magpatugtog muna? medyo malayo pa kasi tayo sa pupuntahan nyo."

paalam ng driver sa kanya. He nodded.

"sure, ayos lang." he said. the driver then plug his smartphone on the van's car play, and a familiar hit song filled the van as they navigate the road.

I'm going home to a place
where I belong, where your love
has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no I think you got it all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me

see these places and these faces
are getting old
so I'm going home
I'm going home

Gabriel lean his head back on the seat, closing his eyes as he listens to the good music. It's nice to be back, though he didn't knew exactly why he did go back at all. maybe it's the words of that mysterious person, or maybe he just really missed his family. whatever that is, he's somehow glad that he's here now.

the driver wake him up, and he drowsily look around.

"nandito na po tayo sa Mountain Ranges, Sir."

"talaga ba?" tanong ni Gabriel na binuksan ang bintana. and he's surprised with the things that he sees.
ang dating tahimik at secluded na rural area ng Metropolis, meron ng dalawang malls, food parks at terminal ng bus at taxi. "matagal na bang may mga ganitong commercial establishments dito? wala namang ganito dito noon."